Iranian media reported yesterday that construction of the 117-kilometer Mahirud–Farah road, which had remained unfinished for years due to “lack of funding and security issues,” is now nearing completion with 93 percent progress.
According to reports, once the road becomes operational, the transit route for goods from Iran’s southern ports to Afghanistan and Central Asia will be shortened by more than 400 kilometers.
Mahirud is the most active border crossing in South Khorasan Province and, after Dogharoun/Islam Qala and Milak/Nimroz, is the third official crossing point between Iran and Afghanistan.
In terms of value, 30 to 35 percent of Iran’s total exports to Afghanistan are conducted through South Khorasan.
Economic experts believe that completing the Mahirud–Farah road will not only facilitate trade and transportation but could also significantly boost exports from South Khorasan and Iran to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Construction of the road began in the early 2000s.
